Wales U20 start off Six Nations with defeat

Wales U20 kicked off their U20 Six Nations campaign with a defeat to arch rivals England U20 at Kingsholm.

England U20 28 Wales U20 15

Josh Turnbull and Leigh Halfpenny scored tries for the Three Feathers in the second period but the damage had already been done as Patrick Horgan's men trailed 17-3 at the break.

All eyes will switch to Twickenham for Warren Gatland's first match in charge tomorrow but on the eve of the big clash, Head of Rugby Development Nigel Davies and Elite Performance Director Graeme Maw were among the spectators in Gloucester.

Wales U20 started brightly and should have taken the lead in the sixth minute when Dan Biggar's excellent flat pass found Jimmy Norris. The Dragons wing was held short of the try-line as England U20's defence held firm.

In the following line-out, French official Jerome Garces brought the two captains together as it threatened to boil over between the two sides.

But Wales U20 were made to pay for not taking their chances in a decent opening quarter when Saracens wing Noah Cato broke through the weak Welsh defence on 24 minutes to power home in the left corner. Cato's club teammate Alex Goode converted the extras.

England U20 doubled their try count eight minutes later as centre Jordan Turner-Hall supplied Worcester wing Miles Benjamin who fended off the tackle of Ospreys' Gareth Owen to score with ease and Goode kicked his second goal.

Cardiff's Leigh Halfpenny reduced the deficit to 11 points within 60 seconds before Goode kicked a penalty from in front of the posts to restore England U20's 17-3 lead at the interval.

The hosts settled the contest on 48 minutes when Luke Eves took Cato's pass to score under the posts. After a period of sustained pressure, Wales U20 restored some pride on the hour mark as Scarlets lock Turnbull scrambled over from close range.

Wales U20's woes continued when Lloyd Phillips was stretchered off with six minutes left. The Scarlets No.8 failed to move as he lay on the floor for six minutes as the paramedics delicately treated him before transferring him towards the dressing room.

But the Dragons finished strongly and Halfpenny touched down for Wales U20's second try with a superb run through the middle of the English defence to make the score respectable.

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